04 September 2012

KENYA : Oluoch assures Eagle Wings of Govt Support

Silalei Shani presents winners trophy to commissioner Oluoch

Updated on 04/09/12 | By AMOS ABUGA

Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch has assured Kenyan and regional Basketball champions Eagle Wings of the government’s support as the club seeks financial boost to facilitate their travel to Ivory Coast for the African Basketball Championships to be held between 19th-28th October 2012. Eagle Wings looks to raise over 3.5 Million shillings to finance the team’s participation in the tournament.
Commissioner Oluoch was speaking during the clubs training session held at the Railways club on Tuesday morning where he emphasized the ministry’s commitment in helping self sponsored clubs. The club also presented the regional championship trophy they won in Kampala after defeating rivals KPA in the finals played at the Lugogo grounds in Kampala.
“The ministry’s first priority is national teams. However, in this case there is more relevance given that half of Eagle Wings players turn up for the national team. This is one club which has been consistent in performance in regional events and as a ministry we will ensure they go to Ivory Coast.” He said.
Oluoch further appealed to well wishers to join hands and support the club in raising the needed funds to actualize the dreams of the hardworking Kenyan champions who despite all odds won all the matches at the Zone 5 competition in Kampala last month.
The commissioner said it is a matter of time before the team wins continental title given they have one of the moist qualified coaches in the country in Smart Olumbo.He added that the players have an opportunity to test themselves with the best from Africa and missing out on another chance will demoralize their determination.
Eagle Wings having won the Zone 5 edition in 2010 won the chance to represent the region at the FIBA games held in Tunisia the same year (2010) but failed to travel for the games due to lack of funds.
The team also did not travel to Daresalaam last year for the regional tournament that was won by KPA.